Cooperative oncology groups in Japan: experience from the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group

To ensure reliable statistical analysis in clinical trials, a large number of patients is required and therefore multicenter cooperative studies are indispensable in clinical oncology. However, both in the field of oncology and other fields of medicine, well-functioning clinical study groups are rare in Japan. In this review, the reason why multicenter cooperative study groups are difficult to organize in Japan is analyzed. Subsequently, the experience of a self-supporting and successful cooperative study group, the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group, is reviewed. Finally, in the absence of significant financial support and thus no financial benefit for participating institutions, how to organize a cooperative study group successfully is discussed.